Rocky Simpson

Page 339?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the Minister of Finance for that. I'd just like a commitment from her that she will keep this side of the House updated on the economic side of COVID-19, as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Just going over to recreation and the sports programming. I see we spend a few dollars in that. I'm just wondering if the money we're spending is actually providing any benefit or some benefit to supporting youth, and helping them keep in shape, and whatever else they have to do? Thank you, Madam Chair.

I didn't really want to put the Deputy Premier on the spot, there. I didn't give her these questions up front, but will the Deputy Premier relay to the rest of the Cabinet the importance of addressing any potential impact to business and determine how we can lessen any impact?

Thank you, Madam Chair. I assume that the department is working with the communities to identify some areas where they can raise money. I'm just wondering if you have any idea what those areas may be. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Every contractor deserves due process, and I'd like to ask the Minister: can the Minister supply me with a copy of the policy or legislation that sets out the process and criteria for determining whether a contractor is to be placed on the list? Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Just one quick question with respect to page 334, ground ambulance and highway rescue. It's always an issue in Hay River. I understand the community has never really been fully funded for providing that service. If there's an accident, we pretty well go out there. I just want to confirm that that's the case, and I suspect that the department's in consultation with Hay River on that issue? Thank you, Madam Chair.

The Minister indicated that there were only a few on there. Can she tell me exactly how many is on that list?

Thank you, Madam Chair. Under infrastructure, I think it is, we have gas. We have the gas inspections, and we have the boilers. Is your department looking at maybe bringing those together with the gas inspections and possibly even plumbing?. Right now, we have no plumbing inspections required in the NWT except for Yellowknife, I think. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The majority of businesses that operate in the North are mostly small businesses, and they are exactly that, small businesses. Most of the contracts for these small businesses would be government contracts and primarily with the NWT Housing Corporation or the Department of Infrastructure.

Small businesses operate in regional and isolated communities face hardships and costs associated with doing businesses. In the NWT, labour costs are generally higher than our southern counterparts. Although unemployment exists, these businesses experience labour shortages due to social...